
Get expert IB exam advice, memories & support
Get expert IB exam advice, memories & support from Lanterna's presenters. Learn what to do if you 'mess up' an IB exam and how to handle the toughest parts.
We’re in the thick of exam season now. As we speak, IB students around the world are nearing the end of their first week of exams.
At Lanterna we remember all too clearly how it felt to be in exactly this position. But we also know all the good things that happened afterwards, after the good and the bad. So we decided to make use of our glorious hindsight to offer some advice, stories and (maybe) wisdom for any IB student looking for some reassurance around their own exams. Here we have advice from our three school presenters who’ve spent the past year visiting IB schools all over the world: Emily, Rachel and Isobel.
Most vivid IB exam memory

What was the toughest part?

Any advice for a student who ‘messes up’ an IB exam?

What do you wish someone had told you while you were in the middle of your IB exams?

What should students do when exams are over?

So there we have it! Our own disasters, struggles and advice. To all of the students out there who still have IB exams to do, good luck!

We’re the Lanterna Team — a group of 600+ IB expert tutors, ranging from 45/45 IB graduates to IB teachers with 30+ years of teaching and examiner experience.
For over 20 years, we’ve supported tens of thousands IB students worldwide with one clear focus: making high achievement feel more doable. Our team of experienced tutors have come together to combine their deep curriculum knowledge with practical strategies that are proven to work.
Whether you’re building strong foundations in DP1, pushing for a final stretch in DP2, or looking for clarity on what to prioritise, we’re here to help you study smarter, stay confident, and get results.
Why Lanterna?
The guide highlights that the exam period itself can be incredibly intense and challenging. Many students find the sustained pressure, the sheer volume of material, and the need to perform consistently across multiple subjects to be the toughest aspect. It's a test of endurance as much as knowledge, requiring careful time management and resilience.
Lanterna's experts advise against dwelling on a single exam. The IB Diploma is a marathon, not a sprint, and one paper rarely defines your entire outcome. The best strategy is to acknowledge your feelings, then immediately shift focus to the next exam. Each exam is a fresh start, and your performance in subsequent papers can significantly mitigate the impact of a single challenging one.
Our experts, who are all high-achieving IB graduates themselves, emphasise the importance of perspective and self-care. They wish someone had told them to trust their preparation, focus on one exam at a time, and remember that there's life beyond the IB. It's crucial to maintain a healthy routine, get enough sleep, and take short breaks to avoid burnout.
The consensus from Lanterna's team is to celebrate and relax! After the intense period of IB exams, it's vital to decompress, reconnect with friends and family, and pursue hobbies. Reflect on your hard work, but avoid overthinking results. This period is a well-deserved break before the next chapter of your life.
Managing stress during IB exams involves a combination of good preparation and self-care. Break down your revision into manageable chunks, practice past papers, and ensure you understand the mark schemes. During the exams, focus on one paper at a time, maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and incorporate short relaxation techniques like deep breathing or light exercise.
Lanterna provides personalised support for IB exam preparation across all subjects at both SL and HL. Our tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB or have extensive teaching and examiner experience, can help you identify knowledge gaps, refine exam techniques, practice challenging topics, and build confidence to achieve your target grades.
The Lanterna free IB consultation is a no-pressure, 20-30 minute conversation with one of our expert IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to give students and parents clarity on their current situation, discuss challenges, and outline a personalised plan for success, whether it's for exam preparation, IAs, EEs, or general IB strategy.
Yes, absolutely! The consultation is completely free, with no obligation to book tutoring. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and a clear action plan to help you navigate the IB, backed by our team's extensive experience supporting thousands of students.
Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced individuals with deep knowledge of the IB programme. They are skilled at understanding student needs, identifying areas for improvement, and guiding families towards effective strategies for academic success and stress management throughout the IB journey.
Our 600+ IB tutors are specialists in their subjects. They can provide targeted support, from breaking down complex concepts and reviewing past papers to developing effective revision schedules and exam strategies. They offer one-on-one guidance to address specific weaknesses and build confidence, ensuring you're fully prepared for your exams.
Yes, Lanterna offers expert tutoring for all IB subjects at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Whether you need help with Maths AA, Biology, History, or any other subject, our tutors are equipped with the latest syllabus knowledge and exam techniques to provide comprehensive and effective revision support.
More free resources
.png)
IB Stress Survival Guide
Beat IB stress and burnout with expert techniques. This guide covers time management, effective revision, and mindfulness habits to help you stay calm, focused, and ace your exams.

The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your IB Mock Exams
Ace your IB Mock Exams with this free, ultimate guide. Learn expert strategies to prepare effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your predicted grades.

Last-Minute IB Exam Tips
Master the final days before your IB exams! Get essential last-minute exam tips: what to do and what to avoid (sleep, not cramming new content). from IB 40+ grads.

IB Stress & Burnout Survival Guide
IB Stress & Burnout Survival Guide: Essential habits and support for parents. Learn to recognize stress indicators (sleep changes, withdrawal) and find healthy coping strategies.

Complete Guide to IB Exam Resources & Tools
Find the best IB Exam Resources and revision tips for success. Discover expert-recommended tools like Kognity, Revision Guides, and tutoring to boost your scores.

How to Get Through Your Final IB Exams
Learn how to get through your final IB exams with expert revision tips on time management, priority setting, and managing stress. Finish the IB strong!

How to Manage Your IB Exam Stress: Practical Tips
Manage your IB exam stress with expert, practical tips. Learn how structured revision plans and self-care can help you conquer exam season anxiety.

How to Master IB Revision: Key Skills and Strategies
Master your IB revision: Learn key skills and strategies, from setting goals and creating effective timetables to specialized revision tips for content and concept-heavy subjects.
Professional Support for the Final Push
GRADUATES
TEACHERS
EXAMINERS
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Stockholm based, supporting students worldwide. We are IB experts committed to achieving your academic goals.
ABOUT US